After CPI Accusations, Federal Deputy Seeks Protection Over Alleged Threats From PSB Colleague

Overview

• Duarte Jr. filed a police report on November 5 and asked Chamber president Hugo Motta for security escort for himself and his family.
• He attached WhatsApp screenshots attributed to state deputy Edson Araújo with phrases such as “We will still meet” and “You will have to prove what you said or you will regret it.”
• Because the messages were viewed on Chamber premises, the internal inquiry falls to the Legislative Police, and the file is slated for referral to the Maranhão Court of Justice.
• The clash followed Duarte’s CPI remarks alleging nearly R$5 million routed to Araújo via a fishermen’s federation, with Araújo serving as a CBPA vice president cited in a federal probe into INSS discount fraud.
• Reporters said Araújo did not respond to requests for comment, while Duarte stated the messages came via his mother’s phone and indicated the CPI could move to summon Araújo.